On Oct. 6, 2017, the 54-year-old owner of the gas station died after being struck by a vehicle.

Police said the driver of the suspect vehicle did not pay for their gas after fuelling up and as they drove away, the gas station owner tried to either stop the driver or gain their attention. Police said it was at that point the man was struck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

RCMP Major Crimes unit took over the investigation and interviewed several witnesses.

“An investigation into a homicide remains active until it’s solved,” Sgt. Bryce Long said May 28. “Our team has worked hard on this investigation, and seeing these charges laid brings a great sense of closure not only to the Major Crimes Unit, but to the community at large and particularly the family of Ki Yun Jo.”

Jo’s son, Sung Hyun Jo, said his family received a call from the RCMP on Thursday night, notifying them charges had been laid.

“As soon as I heard it, I just started crying because I felt very emotional. It just kind of reminded me how my dad died and all my memories came back,” he said Monday.

Sung Hyun Jo said he feels a bit a relief knowing a suspect is behind bars, but it doesn’t bring back his father.

“I don’t feel happy,” he said Monday. “I just feel kind of relieved that… [a suspect has] been caught and we’re not in danger anymore. We don’t have to feel that anymore.”

Sydlowski was previously arrested in late October 2017, during a separate investigation. RCMP said he was wanted by police on outstanding warrants in Devon and Stony Plain on charges including theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, taking a motor vehicle without consent, and failing to comply with condition of undertaking or recognizance.

Court documents reveal Sydlowski has a lengthy criminal history dating back nine years, including being convicted of obstructing a peace officer, uttering threats, mischief, theft, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.